How To: Plan Your Wedding
After the excitement of the proposal has worn off, you may find a creeping sense of urgency starts to dawn coupled with an overwhelming realisation of what planning a wedding actually means...time, organisation and some serious calculations! But fear not, the Suffolk Weddings Guide is here to help. We have devised a very handy guide to planning your wedding, with a countdown of what has to happen and when. There is so much to think of sometimes it can be confusing to remember everything that needs to be done and most importantly, the deadlines!
The average time it takes to plan a wedding is currently 12 months but of course this can be extended or amended according to your personal timeline. Below is an approximate time line of the events in order of planning to help you on your way!
AFTER ENGAGEMENT / 12 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING
It can be very useful to start a scrap book to collate all your ideas in one place so you can refer to this when planning and even take to your appointments with your wedding venue/florist/caterer/dress maker etc - it always helps to have have visual references to get your ideas across. Stick in any photos, magazine articles, images, fabric swatches you like in your scrapbook, and make lots of notes.
IMPORTANT
Set the date!
Agree a budget, who is paying for what and when
Choose your bridesmaids, best man and ushers. The sooner you pick them, the sooner they can start helping you with the organising!
CEREMONY
Draft a guest list for the wedding ceremony. Decide whether you want a small, intimate gathering or all your family and friends in attendance
Decide on the type of service: religious or civil, and begin your research on registry offices, churches and venues. You may find a venue which can host both your ceremony and reception. Here is a handy guide to the Registry Offices in Suffolk to help get you started
Give notice - if it is a civil ceremony with a registrar you will need to book an appointment and attend together as a couple. If it is a religious ceremony you will need to meet with ceremony officiators (Priest/Rabbi/Minister) and book your date
BOOK your wedding venue ASAP (venues are booked months, and sometimes years in advance)
Follow this link to find a host of amazing Suffolk Wedding Venues
RECEPTION
Draft a guest list for your wedding reception, if it differs from your ceremony. Will you be inviting additional guests to the meal, or to the evening celebrations?
Research a venue for your reception, if this is separate to your ceremony location. Most venues hold special open days or wedding fairs throughout the year, so make sure you have a good look around any potential venue, meet the staff and wedding planners, and get a comprehensive list of everything that is (and isnt) included in the cost of your venue hire. We have a whole page dedicated to listing these Wedding Fairs in Suffolk which should help you plan when and where you'd like to attend
BOOK your
wedding reception venue ASAP!
FOOD
What type of food do you wish to offer your guests a formal three course sit-down affair / buffet / BBQ / picnic / hog roast? Begin researching caterers and menus, and gather quotes, including any equipment hire you may need. Ask for recommendations from friends and family, or if potential caterers are restaurant based why not book a table to sample their wares?
Find out more about Suffolk Wedding Caterers here.
FLOWERS
Start to gather ideas regarding your flowers. Will you require floral arrangements for your ceremony and reception? Research which flowers will be in season around your wedding date
OUTFITS
Make appointments to try on wedding dresses to get an idea of the style of dress you want, or meet with dress makers to discuss your ideas and find out what is possible for your budget/time scale. Take a look at our 'Tips for Shopping for your Wedding Dress' to help guide you on your quest
Meet with your bridesmaids to discuss their outfits. Will you be choosing these, or leaving it up to each bridesmaid? Will there be a colour/style theme? It can be difficult to find a dress which suits everyones figure and taste so the sooner you begin this search the better
Dont forget the Groom will he be hiring his outfit, buying off the peg, or having a tailor made suit or tuxedo? A bespoke suit can take at least 6 8 weeks to make so it is also important to begin this search as soon as possible
HONEYMOON
Begin research on honeymoon destinations to ensure you get the best deals. If your wedding is at the height of summer you might want to consider delaying it to avoid paying peak prices. Decide on dates and book the time off work
Consider using an independent travel adviser such as Andrew Rowdon Travel to take the stress out of yet another thing to organise
OTHER
Announcement in paper/family friends and engagement party
Arrange for parents/families to meet (if needed)
Begin researching photographers and videographers. If you need advice, make sure you read our guide on How to choose the right wedding photographer for helpful tips
Use blogs/magazines to gather ideas for theme/decor/outfits
Choose and book a wedding planner (if needed)
Make a list of people whose talents/skills/hobbies you can make use of. Friends and family members can play a vital role in reducing the cost of a wedding, with the added bonus of including them in the wedding, and making them feel special.
3-6 MONTHS BEFORE
IMPORTANT
Finalise your guest list and send save the dates a card/email/video to your guests to let them know the date of the wedding
Select wedding stationery and order invitations. Check out our guide to Wedding Invitations for top tips on creating your special invites
SEND invites (with info on accommodation and travel for guests)
Select and book your photographer (and videographer) Meet up to discuss your ideas for the day and plan a pre-shoot if required/offered to help relax in front of the camera. Check out some of the best Wedding Photographers in Suffolk here
Book and pay deposits for vendors and suppliers
CEREMONY
Meet with person officiating at your wedding to discuss the order of service
Agree date for publication of Banns
Organise marriage license
choose readings, hymns, music for ceremony - ask friends or relatives to read
Organise and book a choir, singer or musician
Work out transport arrangements - who is going where, when and how - and book wedding cars and transportation for the Bride, Groom, bridesmaids, best man, family and, if necessary guests
RECEPTION
Organise music for your reception. Would you like music for when your guests arrive at the reception? Will you require a live band, DJ or entertainment for the party? If so book these ASAP, as popular wedding bands and musicians are booked up well in advance.
If you plan to do the music yourself, you will need to look into what facilitates your venue offers and whether you will have to hire a PA system. Start gathering/downloading/buying the music for your compilation!
Decide how you would like to decorate your venue. Do you have a theme or colour scheme? Start researching the best places to purchase/hire your decorations, or if you are particularly crafty and plan on making them all yourself start gathering the materials, as it will require a lot of time and dedication.
If you have decided on giving wedding favours for your guests, start planning what these will be, and where your will purchase/or who will be making and when.
FOOD
Gather ideas for your wedding cake, and research suppliers. You can read all about the wonderful Wedding Cake makers from Suffolk in this article, which should give you lots of ideas. Contact potential makes and ask to sample their cakes; then choose your design and book a cake maker
Meet with your venue representative to discuss alcohol is there a corkage fee? Do they charge for a cash bar? Check their price lists. If you are supplying your own alcohol begin to research good deals and meet with a wine merchant, it may even be worth a trip to France
Ensure you request details of any food allergies/intolerances/dietary requirements from your guests and pass these on to your caterer
OUTFITS
Choose your wedding rings
Arrange a wedding dress/bridesmaids dress fittings
Select shoes and accessories for Bride, Groom and attendants. See our guide to Wedding Accessories from Suffolk for help
Purchase an lingerie / under garments
Book a hair dresser for your wedding day and agree on a date for a trial to try styles
Book a makeup artist for your wedding day, and agree on a date for a trial for this too. If you would prefer to do your make up yourself then consider booking a makeover at a department store beauty counter to trial cosmetics and styles for the big day
Decide whether you would like an evening/going away outfit and begin the search
FLOWERS
Discuss ideas and quotes with various florists and pick your favourite
Consider how many bouquets/posies/button holes/corsages/arrangements you need and calculate costs
Are you thinking about fresh flowers for your hair? If so discuss this with your florist and hairdresser
HONEYMOON
Book a hotel for your wedding night (if needed); the Suffolk Hotels Guide has lots of fantastic hotels and deals to choose from
Plan and book honeymoon, check passports/visas
Book flights
Arrange vaccinations if needed
OTHER
Decide how you will handle presents. Set up a wedding gift list if required, or an account for contributions towards a honeymoon/house etc
Set up wedding website (if needed)
Research wedding insurance
Buy gifts for family and attendants, see our guide to Wedding Gifts from Suffolk for inspiration
Gently remind your Best Man/ Maid of Honour that they should be planning your Stag and Hen dos. Send your Maid of Honour this link to our guide to Hen Parties in Suffolk to give her a helpful nudge
2 MONTHS BEFORE
IMPORTANT
Confirm ALL bookings with your suppliers/venue/photographer/florist etc in writing/email
CEREMONY
Finalise order of service (design/print/order of services for guests if desired)
Arrange date for wedding rehearsal (if needed)
RECEPTION
Order favours and decorations; see our guide to Wedding Reception Accessories from Suffolk for ideas
Select your first dance and consider lessons if you need them! Or at least have a little practice
FOOD
Finalise your menu with the caterer and attend a tasting session to confirm your selection and make any adjustments. Double check that the caterer has any dietary requests from guests
Purchase alcohol if needed
OUTFITS
Coordinate Groom, Best Man and Ushers outfits/accessories if required. I.e. matching ties/cravats/cufflinks
OTHER
Enjoy your Stag and Hen parties
1 MONTH BEFORE
IMPORTANT
If you are changing your name, inform institutions as necessary
CEREMONY
Meet with Registrar to go over details of ceremony, or send selections as required
RECEPTION
Confirm final numbers and arrange your seating plan
All decorations should be finished/ordered/confirmed
OUTFITS
make appointments for manicure/pedicure, any treatments; the SK Clinic and Spa in Bury St Edmunds has wonderful facilities and offers great pampering packages for Brides (and Grooms!)
buy all cosmetics / perfume etc
HONEYMOON
Buy holiday items / clothes
OTHER
If you are planning on making a speech make sure these are written and check with other speakers that they have at least started theirs!
Draft up an idea of what photos you want taken/combinations of family to give to photographer and copy to Best Man
1 2 WEEKS BEFORE
IMPORTANT
Confirm all appointments / pick ups
Ensure photographer/videographer has all venue details, times and is fully briefed
CEREMONY
ensure all music is ready for ceremony (burn on to disc/iPod if needed)
RECEPTION
Ensure all final decorations are purchased/made/hired and find out when they can be delivered to venue, and when you can deliver/collect. Find out how long you have before the day to set up
Double check delivery/collections times for any equipment hire
OUTFITS
Try on complete outfits to ensure fit and make final adjustments
Wear in your wedding shoes
FLOWERS
Confirm pick up/delivery with florist
HONEYMOON
Order your currency or travellers cheques
OTHER
Keep an eye on the weather forecast and make plans in case of adverse conditions (umbrellas/wellies/coats etc)
THE DAY BEFORE
IMPORTANT
Payments withdraw cash for payments on the day to any suppliers
Contact details distributed to wedding party
Route planned between venues
Pampering time! nails / waxing / exfoliation / face masks, the works! Make sure you plan some relaxation and an early night
CEREMONY
Ensure you have copies of the readings printed out for spares
Make sure at least one member of the wedding party has a supply of tissues / plasters / safety pins / needle & thread / wet wipes - JUST IN CASE!!! Its always best to be prepared.
RECEPTION
Decorate venue if needed
FOOD
Be sure to stock your fridge with everything you need for a hearty breakfast in the morning, as it may be quite a while before you eat
Have bottles of water ready to take with you for before the ceremony, especially in hot weather, adrenaline and excitement will add to your thirst
Confirm wedding cake delivery and set up. Make arrangements for storage if it is a hot day
OUTFITS
Ensure all clothes are ironing and shoes shined, layout all the things you will need before bed to prevent last minute panicking!
Hand over the rings to the Best Man
FLOWERS
Confirm pick up/delivery - who is in charge or picking up / receiving and distributing in the morning
Ensure you have spare pins / safety pins for button holes and corsages
HONEYMOON
Check all flights/transfers ok
THE BIG DAY
There should be nothing left to do but ENJOY your very special day! (oh, except double check that the Best Man has the rings of course)
AFTER
Ensure all payments and invoices are paid
Send thank you cards for gifts, and to the Best Man/Bridesmaids etc
Order photos/albums
Return any hire outfits
Dry your bouquet/buttonhole if you wish, to preserve them
Organise storage of wedding dress (vacuum sealed bag/boxes)
We hope this is a helpful guide to planning your wedding. If you have any comments, feedback or suggestions please send them to kerry@suffolkweddingsguide.co.uk
The average time it takes to plan a wedding is currently 12 months but of course this can be extended or amended according to your personal timeline. Below is an approximate time line of the events in order of planning to help you on your way!
AFTER ENGAGEMENT / 12 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING
It can be very useful to start a scrap book to collate all your ideas in one place so you can refer to this when planning and even take to your appointments with your wedding venue/florist/caterer/dress maker etc - it always helps to have have visual references to get your ideas across. Stick in any photos, magazine articles, images, fabric swatches you like in your scrapbook, and make lots of notes.
IMPORTANT
Set the date!
Agree a budget, who is paying for what and when
Choose your bridesmaids, best man and ushers. The sooner you pick them, the sooner they can start helping you with the organising!
CEREMONY
Draft a guest list for the wedding ceremony. Decide whether you want a small, intimate gathering or all your family and friends in attendance
Decide on the type of service: religious or civil, and begin your research on registry offices, churches and venues. You may find a venue which can host both your ceremony and reception. Here is a handy guide to the Registry Offices in Suffolk to help get you started
Give notice - if it is a civil ceremony with a registrar you will need to book an appointment and attend together as a couple. If it is a religious ceremony you will need to meet with ceremony officiators (Priest/Rabbi/Minister) and book your date
BOOK your wedding venue ASAP (venues are booked months, and sometimes years in advance)
Follow this link to find a host of amazing Suffolk Wedding Venues
RECEPTION
Draft a guest list for your wedding reception, if it differs from your ceremony. Will you be inviting additional guests to the meal, or to the evening celebrations?
Research a venue for your reception, if this is separate to your ceremony location. Most venues hold special open days or wedding fairs throughout the year, so make sure you have a good look around any potential venue, meet the staff and wedding planners, and get a comprehensive list of everything that is (and isnt) included in the cost of your venue hire. We have a whole page dedicated to listing these Wedding Fairs in Suffolk which should help you plan when and where you'd like to attend
BOOK your
wedding reception venue ASAP!
FOOD
What type of food do you wish to offer your guests a formal three course sit-down affair / buffet / BBQ / picnic / hog roast? Begin researching caterers and menus, and gather quotes, including any equipment hire you may need. Ask for recommendations from friends and family, or if potential caterers are restaurant based why not book a table to sample their wares?
Find out more about Suffolk Wedding Caterers here.
FLOWERS
Start to gather ideas regarding your flowers. Will you require floral arrangements for your ceremony and reception? Research which flowers will be in season around your wedding date
OUTFITS
Make appointments to try on wedding dresses to get an idea of the style of dress you want, or meet with dress makers to discuss your ideas and find out what is possible for your budget/time scale. Take a look at our 'Tips for Shopping for your Wedding Dress' to help guide you on your quest
Meet with your bridesmaids to discuss their outfits. Will you be choosing these, or leaving it up to each bridesmaid? Will there be a colour/style theme? It can be difficult to find a dress which suits everyones figure and taste so the sooner you begin this search the better
Dont forget the Groom will he be hiring his outfit, buying off the peg, or having a tailor made suit or tuxedo? A bespoke suit can take at least 6 8 weeks to make so it is also important to begin this search as soon as possible
HONEYMOON
Begin research on honeymoon destinations to ensure you get the best deals. If your wedding is at the height of summer you might want to consider delaying it to avoid paying peak prices. Decide on dates and book the time off work
Consider using an independent travel adviser such as Andrew Rowdon Travel to take the stress out of yet another thing to organise
OTHER
Announcement in paper/family friends and engagement party
Arrange for parents/families to meet (if needed)
Begin researching photographers and videographers. If you need advice, make sure you read our guide on How to choose the right wedding photographer for helpful tips
Use blogs/magazines to gather ideas for theme/decor/outfits
Choose and book a wedding planner (if needed)
Make a list of people whose talents/skills/hobbies you can make use of. Friends and family members can play a vital role in reducing the cost of a wedding, with the added bonus of including them in the wedding, and making them feel special.
3-6 MONTHS BEFORE
IMPORTANT
Finalise your guest list and send save the dates a card/email/video to your guests to let them know the date of the wedding
Select wedding stationery and order invitations. Check out our guide to Wedding Invitations for top tips on creating your special invites
SEND invites (with info on accommodation and travel for guests)
Select and book your photographer (and videographer) Meet up to discuss your ideas for the day and plan a pre-shoot if required/offered to help relax in front of the camera. Check out some of the best Wedding Photographers in Suffolk here
Book and pay deposits for vendors and suppliers
CEREMONY
Meet with person officiating at your wedding to discuss the order of service
Agree date for publication of Banns
Organise marriage license
choose readings, hymns, music for ceremony - ask friends or relatives to read
Organise and book a choir, singer or musician
Work out transport arrangements - who is going where, when and how - and book wedding cars and transportation for the Bride, Groom, bridesmaids, best man, family and, if necessary guests
RECEPTION
Organise music for your reception. Would you like music for when your guests arrive at the reception? Will you require a live band, DJ or entertainment for the party? If so book these ASAP, as popular wedding bands and musicians are booked up well in advance.
If you plan to do the music yourself, you will need to look into what facilitates your venue offers and whether you will have to hire a PA system. Start gathering/downloading/buying the music for your compilation!
Decide how you would like to decorate your venue. Do you have a theme or colour scheme? Start researching the best places to purchase/hire your decorations, or if you are particularly crafty and plan on making them all yourself start gathering the materials, as it will require a lot of time and dedication.
If you have decided on giving wedding favours for your guests, start planning what these will be, and where your will purchase/or who will be making and when.
FOOD
Gather ideas for your wedding cake, and research suppliers. You can read all about the wonderful Wedding Cake makers from Suffolk in this article, which should give you lots of ideas. Contact potential makes and ask to sample their cakes; then choose your design and book a cake maker
Meet with your venue representative to discuss alcohol is there a corkage fee? Do they charge for a cash bar? Check their price lists. If you are supplying your own alcohol begin to research good deals and meet with a wine merchant, it may even be worth a trip to France
Ensure you request details of any food allergies/intolerances/dietary requirements from your guests and pass these on to your caterer
OUTFITS
Choose your wedding rings
Arrange a wedding dress/bridesmaids dress fittings
Select shoes and accessories for Bride, Groom and attendants. See our guide to Wedding Accessories from Suffolk for help
Purchase an lingerie / under garments
Book a hair dresser for your wedding day and agree on a date for a trial to try styles
Book a makeup artist for your wedding day, and agree on a date for a trial for this too. If you would prefer to do your make up yourself then consider booking a makeover at a department store beauty counter to trial cosmetics and styles for the big day
Decide whether you would like an evening/going away outfit and begin the search
FLOWERS
Discuss ideas and quotes with various florists and pick your favourite
Consider how many bouquets/posies/button holes/corsages/arrangements you need and calculate costs
Are you thinking about fresh flowers for your hair? If so discuss this with your florist and hairdresser
HONEYMOON
Book a hotel for your wedding night (if needed); the Suffolk Hotels Guide has lots of fantastic hotels and deals to choose from
Plan and book honeymoon, check passports/visas
Book flights
Arrange vaccinations if needed
OTHER
Decide how you will handle presents. Set up a wedding gift list if required, or an account for contributions towards a honeymoon/house etc
Set up wedding website (if needed)
Research wedding insurance
Buy gifts for family and attendants, see our guide to Wedding Gifts from Suffolk for inspiration
Gently remind your Best Man/ Maid of Honour that they should be planning your Stag and Hen dos. Send your Maid of Honour this link to our guide to Hen Parties in Suffolk to give her a helpful nudge
2 MONTHS BEFORE
IMPORTANT
Confirm ALL bookings with your suppliers/venue/photographer/florist etc in writing/email
CEREMONY
Finalise order of service (design/print/order of services for guests if desired)
Arrange date for wedding rehearsal (if needed)
RECEPTION
Order favours and decorations; see our guide to Wedding Reception Accessories from Suffolk for ideas
Select your first dance and consider lessons if you need them! Or at least have a little practice
FOOD
Finalise your menu with the caterer and attend a tasting session to confirm your selection and make any adjustments. Double check that the caterer has any dietary requests from guests
Purchase alcohol if needed
OUTFITS
Coordinate Groom, Best Man and Ushers outfits/accessories if required. I.e. matching ties/cravats/cufflinks
OTHER
Enjoy your Stag and Hen parties
1 MONTH BEFORE
IMPORTANT
If you are changing your name, inform institutions as necessary
CEREMONY
Meet with Registrar to go over details of ceremony, or send selections as required
RECEPTION
Confirm final numbers and arrange your seating plan
All decorations should be finished/ordered/confirmed
OUTFITS
make appointments for manicure/pedicure, any treatments; the SK Clinic and Spa in Bury St Edmunds has wonderful facilities and offers great pampering packages for Brides (and Grooms!)
buy all cosmetics / perfume etc
HONEYMOON
Buy holiday items / clothes
OTHER
If you are planning on making a speech make sure these are written and check with other speakers that they have at least started theirs!
Draft up an idea of what photos you want taken/combinations of family to give to photographer and copy to Best Man
1 2 WEEKS BEFORE
IMPORTANT
Confirm all appointments / pick ups
Ensure photographer/videographer has all venue details, times and is fully briefed
CEREMONY
ensure all music is ready for ceremony (burn on to disc/iPod if needed)
RECEPTION
Ensure all final decorations are purchased/made/hired and find out when they can be delivered to venue, and when you can deliver/collect. Find out how long you have before the day to set up
Double check delivery/collections times for any equipment hire
OUTFITS
Try on complete outfits to ensure fit and make final adjustments
Wear in your wedding shoes
FLOWERS
Confirm pick up/delivery with florist
HONEYMOON
Order your currency or travellers cheques
OTHER
Keep an eye on the weather forecast and make plans in case of adverse conditions (umbrellas/wellies/coats etc)
THE DAY BEFORE
IMPORTANT
Payments withdraw cash for payments on the day to any suppliers
Contact details distributed to wedding party
Route planned between venues
Pampering time! nails / waxing / exfoliation / face masks, the works! Make sure you plan some relaxation and an early night
CEREMONY
Ensure you have copies of the readings printed out for spares
Make sure at least one member of the wedding party has a supply of tissues / plasters / safety pins / needle & thread / wet wipes - JUST IN CASE!!! Its always best to be prepared.
RECEPTION
Decorate venue if needed
FOOD
Be sure to stock your fridge with everything you need for a hearty breakfast in the morning, as it may be quite a while before you eat
Have bottles of water ready to take with you for before the ceremony, especially in hot weather, adrenaline and excitement will add to your thirst
Confirm wedding cake delivery and set up. Make arrangements for storage if it is a hot day
OUTFITS
Ensure all clothes are ironing and shoes shined, layout all the things you will need before bed to prevent last minute panicking!
Hand over the rings to the Best Man
FLOWERS
Confirm pick up/delivery - who is in charge or picking up / receiving and distributing in the morning
Ensure you have spare pins / safety pins for button holes and corsages
HONEYMOON
Check all flights/transfers ok
THE BIG DAY
There should be nothing left to do but ENJOY your very special day! (oh, except double check that the Best Man has the rings of course)
AFTER
Ensure all payments and invoices are paid
Send thank you cards for gifts, and to the Best Man/Bridesmaids etc
Order photos/albums
Return any hire outfits
Dry your bouquet/buttonhole if you wish, to preserve them
Organise storage of wedding dress (vacuum sealed bag/boxes)
We hope this is a helpful guide to planning your wedding. If you have any comments, feedback or suggestions please send them to kerry@suffolkweddingsguide.co.uk
